1.Diagnosis analysis of apoptotic bodies in rat liver using You Only Look Once (YOLO)v8object detection algorithm
Gyubaek KIM ; Beomseok HAN ; Da Hui JEONG ; Soo Young CHEON
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2025;26(4):97-106
With advancements in high-resolution scanners and high-performance computers, the use of whole slide imaging (WSI) in digital pathology has increased. WSI scans glass slides and stores them in digital format, making them immune to damage or discoloration, and enablingremote pathology review and peer review. Additionally, with the development of artificial intel-ligence, research using deep learning models in pathology has become more widespread. Inthis study, the You Only Look Once (YOLO)v8 model was used to train artificial intelligence todetect apoptotic bodies commonly observed in rodent livers. A total of 1,558 rat liver images containing apoptotic bodies were collected and followed by labeling and data augmentationusing flipping and rotation techniques to expand the dataset to 3,738 images. The datasetwas then divided into training, validation, and test sets to develop and evaluate a model forobject recognition. The training was conducted with an epoch set to 300. The YOLOv8 model detected apoptotic bodies with a mean average precision at 50% value of 0.882. Although the model’s accuracy for detecting individual apoptotic bodies may not seem extremely high,it is important to note that the size of apoptotic bodies is very small compared to hepatocytes,making them harder to detect. However, the model’s overall performance is expected to improves significantly with a larger dataset. The YOLOv8 model successfully detected apoptotic bodies with high accuracy. This can help reduce the workload of toxicologic pathologists anddecrease the time and cost involved in pathology review. Furthermore, with an increaseddataset, even higher accuracy can be expected in the future.
2.Biocompatibility evaluation of titanium nitride coating for canine patellar groove implant
Yangwon CHAE ; Euisin YANG ; Taehwan KIM ; Hyunmin JO ; Dong-Hyun KIM ; Byeonghak KIM ; Kyung Mi SHIM ; Se Eun KIM ; Seong Soo KANG
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2025;26(4):107-122
Medial patellar luxation is a common orthopedic disorder in dogs, and advanced cases with severe skeletal deformities or femoropatellar osteoarthritis are often unresponsive to conventional techniques. Patellar groove replacement (PGR) has been proposed as an alternative surgical option; however, systematic comparisons of coating technologies for veterinary PGR implants remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, biological compatibility, and functional performance of a newly developed titanium nitride (TiN)–coated PGR system compared with a clinically available amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC)–coated device. TiN-coated prototypes were fabricated using Ti-6Al-4V alloy by injection molding combined with arc ion plating, which requires simpler equipment and lower production costs than the vacuum plasma deposition used for ADLC. Physicochemical evaluations, including corrosion resistance, hardness, surface roughness, and coating thickness, were conducted following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Korean Industrial Standards (KS) guidelines. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using MTT andcell adhesion assays with L-929 fibroblasts, while inflammatory cytokine profiling (interleukin [IL]-1β and IL-6) in a rat subcutaneous model was used to evaluate local tissue responses.Functional feasibility was examined in a canine femoral model bilaterally implanted with TiNor ADLC-coated PGR systems and monitored for one year through clinical, radiographic, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging , and micro-CT assessments. Both coatings demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance and absence of cytotoxicity. TiN-coated implants showed slightly greater hardness and coating thickness, with comparable surfaceroughness and biocompatibility. All implants maintained stable fixation, proper patellar tracking, and satisfactory bone–implant integration. These findings indicate that TiN-coated PGRimplants achieve biological and mechanical performance equivalent to ADLC devices while offering advantages in manufacturing simplicity, scalability, and cost-efficiency, supporting their clinical applicability in veterinary orthopedics.
3.The study of the gene expression profiles in the blood of 1-week-old broilers with dietary nutrient modulation
Hyunji CHOI ; Wonchoul PARK ; Dajeong LIM ; Eui-Chul HONG ; Han-Ha CHAI
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2025;26(4):85-96
The nutrient composition of feed plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression in animals,thereby affecting growth, metabolism, and immune functions. In poultry, the optimized use offeed additives such as crude protein and phytase can enhance nutrient absorption, improvefeed efficiency, and reduce environmental waste. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic changes in the blood of forty-eight one-week-old broiler chickens fed diets differing in crude protein and phytase content. Using RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, a total of 44 differentially expressed genes were identified in response to dietary variation. These genes were primarily involved in immune response, regulation of cell morphology, glycolytic process, and glycerolipid metabolism. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant associations with cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathways, which regulate lipid metabolism, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Moreover, decreased levels of crude protein and phytase were linked to alterations in protein autophosphorylation, amino acid biosynthesis, and energy metabolism pathways. These findings indicate that dietary modulation of crude protein and phytase levels can significantly influence metabolic and immune regulatory mechanisms in early-stage broilers. The appropriate feeding of feed additives (such as crude protein and phytase) not only improves nutritional deficiencies and feed efficiency issues in livestock, but also contributes to sustainable meat production, includ-ing the reduction of nitrogen and ammonia emissions, thereby supporting environmentallyresponsible poultry production.
4.A nephroblastoma at renal papilla in a SpragueDawley rat
Tae-Woo KIM ; Yong-Hoon LEE ; Tae-Kyung KIM ; Hye-Joon PARK ; Mu-Jin LEE ; Sung-Jin PARK ; Laehong JO ; Yong-Seok KIM ; Byeongwoo AHN
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(4):233-238
A protruding mass was identified in the papilla of the right kidney of a 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rat. Microscopically, the neoplastic tissues were consisted of epithelial elements, where basophilic neoplastic cells displayed a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and formed tubular growth patterns characterized by small, elongated, or convoluted tubules.Blastemal elements were often arranged in aggregates or nests, composed of tightly packed basophilic polygonal to spindloid primitive cells. The surrounding interstitial tissue appeared loose and myxomatous. Based on these histological features, the diagnosis was nephroblastoma. Nephroblastoma is considered as an embryonic tumor originated from metanephric blastemal elements in the renal cortex and typically displays characteristic triphasic patterns.Also, this tumor seldom arises from or remains localized to the renal pelvis. To our literaturereview, this is the first nephroblastoma occurred at renal papilla in a rat.
5.Oral administration of oxalate decarboxylase prevents hyperoxaluria and renal calcium oxalate stone formation in ethylene glycolinduced nephrolithiasis rats
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(4):211-219
Hyperoxaluria is a disorder associated with an increased risk of renal stones, one of the mostcommon conditions. For people with hyperoxaluria, there are a limited number of effectivetherapeutic options. The aim of this study was to examine whether an oxalate-degrading enzyme, oxalate decarboxylase (OxdC), can inhibit crystallization of calcium oxalate (CaOx) in vitro, and whether it can prevent nephrolithiasis caused by CaOx induced by ethylene glycol (EG) in rats. When OxdC was applied at various concentrations to CaOx in vitro, there was a significant reduction in the crystallization of CaOx. The OxdC was found to inhibit crystal for-mation as well as the formation of crystals that had sharp edges. In animal experiments, ratsthat had been treated with EG showed impaired renal filtration functions, as well as increaseddeposition of CaOx crystals and the creation of kidney stones. It has been found that oral administration of OxdC to rats with chronic EG-induced nephrolithiasis that is characterized byCaOx intratubular crystal deposits with hyperoxaluria dramatically reduces the severity of thedisease. The results of this study point to a potential therapeutic approach for treating human hyperoxaluria as well as CaOx nephrolithiasis that could be achieved by the oral administra-tion of OxdC.
6.Quarantine procedures for management of infectious diseases in non-human primate
Gyu-Seo BAE ; Bon-Sang KOO ; Eun-Su JEON ; Wan-Kyu LEE
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(4):169-183
Non-human primates, due to their high genetic similarity to humans, are used as laboratory animals in biotechnology researches. The growing demand has recently led to a shortage of primate resources, which has become a significant issue both domestically and internation-ally. This shortage has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the importance of resource conservation through effective primate management is increas-ing. This requires the establishment of proper quarantine procedures and infectious disease control. Quarantine is an important process that protects not only animal health but also pub-lic health significance. Non-human primate quarantine procedures were organized in order.We compared the differences in quarantine procedures not only in Korea but also in variouscountries such as the US, EU, and Australia. In addition, the etiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods of representative infectious diseases of quarantine concern(tuberculosis, monkeypox, monkey immunodeficiency virus, salmonellosis, and shigellosis) were summarized. A literature review of nonhuman primate quarantine procedures in other countries revealed minimal differences in the basic structure. The quarantine periods were similar around 30 days, but we found some differences in details such as legal requirements, documentation forms, and quarantine authorities. These findings are expected to contributeto the development of strategies for improving methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and enhancing quarantine management methods.
7.Clinical and cytologic finding of mesothelioma in situ with hemorrhagic malignant pleural effusion in a dog
Donghyun HAN ; Youngmin CHOI ; Dong-In JUNG
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(4):221-231
A 17-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu dog, weighing 5.0 kg, presented with frequent coughing and respiratory distress. Blood tests revealed mild thrombocytosis, and thoracic ultra-sonography and radiography confirmed a significant amount of pleural effusion. However,the thoracic radiographs showed no radiopaque nodules or interstitial patterns indicative ofthoracic tumors. Thoracentesis was performed to relieve effusion-induced thoracic pressure, yielding a hemorrhagic serosanguinous pleural fluid. The cytological analysis of this fluid re-vealed mesothelial cells, supporting the clinical diagnosis of mesothelioma in situ. To address the patient’s clinical symptoms, an aggressive management approach was implemented withchest tube placement to address recurrent pleural effusion after initial thoracentesis. Duringtreatment, the patient exhibited stable health and adapted well to daily life. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mesothelioma in situ with hemorrhagic malignant pleural effusion in South Korea. Using a chest tube as an aggressive treatment successfullyalleviated dyspnea symptoms and provided symptomatic relief in a patient with mesothelioma in situ.
8.Toxicological properties of Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) in diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism
Jae Cheong LIM ; So-Young LEE ; Eun Ha CHO ; Yu Mi JUNG ; Ki Hwan PARK ; Young Uk PARK ; Sung Soo NAM ; Tae Hoon LEE ; Jae Won LEE ; Yiseul CHOI ; Inki LEE ; Yeon CHAE ; Byeong-Teck KANG
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(4):201-210
Following the previous study, which investigated the pharmacological properties of the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m), the toxicity of a single intravenous administration of the Technekittyinjection (Tc-99m) and the side effects that may occur at the diagnostic dose were confirmed.The Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) was administered intravenously once at a dose of 0, 0.67, 2.0, and 6.0 mCi/kg to 5 male and female rats per group. Mortality, general symptom obser-vation, and weight measurement were performed for 2 weeks, followed by observation of autopsy findings. There were no deaths, and no statistically significant weight change was observed. No abnormal systemic signs related to the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) were observed. These results confirmed that Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) can be safely admin-istered intravenously at doses up to 6.0 mCi/kg. Additionally, technetium-99m at an average dose of 2 mCi (74 MBq) has been verified as a diagnostic dose without adverse effects, al-lowing the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) to be used safely without side effects at this dosage.This study demonstrates that the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) has a wide safety margin, supporting its potential for clinical application. Moreover, these findings align with the nonclin-ical safety standards for radiopharmaceuticals, reinforcing its utility in veterinary medicine.The Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) is expected to be applicable for clinical diagnosis as a vet-erinary drug in Korea.
9.Pharmacological properties of Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) in diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism
Jae Cheong LIM ; So-Young LEE ; Eun Ha CHO ; Yu Mi JUNG ; Ki Hwan PARK ; Young Uk PARK ; Sung Soo NAM ; Tae Hoon LEE ; Jae Won LEE ; Jisu SUN ; Hye Kyung CHUNG ; Yong Jin LEE ; Yeon CHAE ; Byeong-Teck KANG
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(4):185-199
Thyroid scanning using technetium-99m ( 99mTc) is the gold standard for diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism. In cats with an overactive thyroid, a thyroid scan is the most appropriate imaging technique to detect and localize any hyperfunctional adenomatous thyroid tissue. In this study, the pharmacological properties of the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m), developed as a diagnostic agent for feline hyperthyroidism using 99mTc as an active ingredient, were tested in FRTL-5 thyroid follicular cell line and ICR mice. The percentage of cell uptake of the Tc-99m in FRTL-5 thyroid cells was 0.182 ± 0.018%, which was about 6 times higher compared to Clone 9 hepatocytes. This uptake decreased by 38.2% due to competitive inhibition by iodine (sodium iodide). In tissue distribution tests by using ICR mice, the highest distribution was observed in the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and femur at 0.083 hours after administration, and this distribution decreased as the compound was excreted through the kidneys, the pri-mary excretory organ. Maximum distribution was confirmed at 1 hour in the small intestine, 6hours in the large intestine, and 2 hours in the thyroid gland. Additionally, the total amount excreted through urine and feces over 48 hours (2 days) was 78.80% of the injected dose, with 37.70% (47.84% of the total excretion) excreted through urine and 41.10% (52.16% of the total excretion) through feces. In conclusion, the Tc-99m has the same mechanism of action, potency, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics as 99mTc used for feline hyperthyroidism in the United States, Europe, and other countries, because the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) contains 99mTc as its sole active ingredient. Based on these results, the Technekitty injection (Tc-99m) is expected to be safely used in the clinical diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism.
10.Subchronic inhalation toxicity study of diethylbenzene in Wistar rats
Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research 2024;25(3):119-132
Diethylbenzene (DEB) is a colorless flammable liquid composed of a benzene ring and two ethyl substituents. DEBs mostly exist as a mixture of isomers and are mainly used as inter-mediates and solvents occupationally. Workers may be exposed to DEB inhalation during their occupational activities including manufacturing or processing of materials; however, limited data are available on the risk assessment of DEB mixtures. In this study, male and female Wistar rats were exposed to vapors of a DEB mixture for 13-weeks (6 hr/day, 5 days/ week) at concentrations of 0, 40, 80, and 160 ppm in a whole-body inhalation chamber. Clini-cal signs, mean body weight, food consumption, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), hema-tology, blood biochemistry, gross findings, organ weights, and microscopic findings were ex-amined to determine the toxicity of DEB mixture. The exposure concentrations in chambers were 39.48 ± 1.13 ppm, 80.43 ± 2.06 ppm, and 160.20 ± 4.42 ppm for the low, medium, and high dose groups, respectively. No changes related to the test substance were observed, including changes in clinical observation, body weight, food consumption, BALF and blood analysis, necropsy findings, absolute and relative organ weights or histopathological analysis.Based on these results, the NOAEC (no-observed-adverse-effect-concentration) of DEB was defined as 160 ppm under the study conditions.

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